In the first sermon of the new year, Barry proposes a reflection on God's work in the past and a rededication to serving only him. Christians must desire God with all our hearts and minds, mourning and seeking after God - if we are to return to the Lord, we must put away the idols in our way and expect God to work powerfully in our lives.

Janson Condren studies the defeat of Israel by the Philistines as an example of heading off track in the Christian life. To prevent this happening to us, he suggests often being reminded of God's character, to pay attention to where our lives are heading and repenting where necessary.